In Brief
The Kolhapur Municipal Corporation recruited 15 Assistant Traffic Inspectors by relaxing the mandatory requirement of five years' experience, which was challenged by a trade union. The High Court found the relaxation impermissible but, noting the appointees had served over 10 years, permitted them to participate in fresh recruitment with age relaxation. The Supreme Court modified this order, allowing all appointees to continue, given they had served 23+ years and the undertaking faced acute staffing shortages with 10 vacancies and only one eligible promotee available. The Court prioritised operational necessity and fairness over strict procedural compliance."
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